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A Critical Baseload Power Source: African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 to Explore the Role of Coal in Africa

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3 years ago

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renewable energy

As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, an immediate shift away from coal will cause detrimental impacts on Africa’s economies

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 4, 2023/APO Group/ — 

While developed nations are calling for an immediate (and unrealistic) shift to a renewable energy future, African governments and stakeholders continue to work towards making energy poverty history across the continent. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and over 900 million without access to clean cooking solutions, abandoning coal and its associated power generation infrastructure will cause detrimental impacts on African society while reversing any meaningful progress made to develop African economies.

Coal has long-played an important role in the energy mix of various African countries. Serving as an important baseload power source, sizeable domestic deposits and growing regional demand have led to countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and more turning to coal to fuel economic growth and resilience. Coal itself represented 28% of Africa’s total electricity generated in 2021. Despite this, coal remains a highly controversial topic, with global stakeholders criminalizing the resources despite the crucial role it plays in powering economies.

Even in the face of a global energy crisis, developed countries in Europe – despite pressuring African states to abandon the resource ­– also turned to coal to power their economies, a testament to its significance, even in the energy transition climate. Germany, for example –representing the eight biggest coal producer and fourth biggest consumer globally ­– increased its coal imports by 12% last year in the face of the Russian-Ukraine conflict. In the same year, the UK approved the first new coal mine in nearly 30 years. However, these same countries state that coal has no future in Africa.

During AEW 2023, we will host a discussion on the role of coal in Africa and look forward to the various insights which will be provided

Africa does not have the privilege to simply abandon coal. The resource serves as one of the biggest baseload power sources for a number of countries continent-wide, and abandoning this source would result in no available energy to power healthcare, education, business, transport, and every other sector of the economy. South Africa, for example, relies on coal for 80% of its energy needs. Even though this reliance is expected to decrease as other power alternatives come online, by 2030, the resource will still account for 65% of the energy mix. Facing infrastructure breakdowns due to lack of investment in coal-power stations, South Africa now experiences blackouts of more than ten hours a day, a tragic situation given the 53 billion tons of coal reserves available in the country. Notwithstanding power supply, the coal industry employed over 93,000 people and contributed R480 billion to South Africa’s GDP in 2021. Abandoning coal would not only remove a viable power supply but worsen unemployment rates and stifle economic progress.

In neighboring countries this scenario is remarkably similar. Botswana relies on coal for 80% of its power needs while coal makes up 29% of Zimbabwe’s energy mix, a figure expected to increase as hydropower becomes increasingly unreliable. What kind of future, therefore, can we imagine if we abandon this resource?

Organization’s such as the World Coal Association recognize the role the resource plays in electrifying and industrializing economies. Committed to shaping a sustainable future for coal, the organization is spearheading various initiatives that aim to advance innovations in technology and sustainable coal practices. For Africa, these initiatives will be key for helping countries utilize coal in a sustainable manner.

During the continent’s premier event for the energy sector, African Energy Week (AEW) – taking place from October 16-20 this year in Cape Town – a panel discussion will explore the critical role coal continues to play in powering Africa’s economies. The session will be led by experts from across the regional and global energy sectors and will provide insight into the benefits of the resources, the measures being undertaken to promote sustainability and what the future for coal-fired power generations looks like in Africa.

“What the world is failing to understand, is that coal represents a vital part of Africa’s energy mix. If we were to abandon coal, countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and many others would be left in the dark, with no energy to power industry, provide electricity and support the economy. Access to energy is a human right: eliminating coal from Africa’s energy mix is infringing on that very right. The Chamber will continue to advocate for the role of coal in Africa. Yes, we understand that in order to protect the climate we need to transition to cleaner energy sources. But this transition must be strategic, gradual and take into consideration the needs of the economy. During AEW 2023, we will host a discussion on the role of coal in Africa and look forward to the various insights which will be provided,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

AEW is the AEC’s annual energy event uniting African policymakers with global investors to discuss the future of Africa’s energy sector. This year’s edition takes place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets,’ and features a strong lineup of speakers from across the African and global energy landscape. For more information about attendance, sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit www.AECWeek.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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